Los Angeles braces for floods, landslides from storm

A significant rainstorm is currently hitting southern California, prompting officials in Los Angeles to prepare for potential flooding and landslides in areas affected by recent wildfires that resulted in at least 29 fatalities. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a flash flood watch for most of the county, with forecasts predicting up to six inches of rain in some regions, especially impacting burn scars in Altadena and Pacific Palisades. Meteorologist Ryan Kittell highlighted the high risk for flooding and debris flows, particularly in urban and road areas. The storm is driven by an 'atmospheric river,' which is expected to deliver intense rainfall during peak hours, with rates possibly reaching up to 1.2 inches per hour. In preparation, workers have laid thousands of sandbags and barriers to mitigate soil erosion, and residents near vulnerable hillsides have been advised to be ready to evacuate. While concerns about immediate flooding are rising, southern California has been in need of rain after experiencing nearly eight months of drought conditions.